Carbon wheel choice dilemma!!

Blackmarketrider

The choice of wheels are so vast, do i use tubs or clinchers, do i risk cracking or breaking wheels when getting a flat and have the misfortune of hitting a pothole at the same time?

I will be using these wheels for racing only, i have narrowed my choice down to a few wheelset choices.

Dura-ace c50/c35 full carbon tubular wheelset (durable carbon wheels)

Dura-ace c50/c35 clincher wheelset (strong alu sidewalls, longer lasting, cheaper, heavier)

Easton EC90 SL clincher/tubular (Ive adored these wheels since i started riding)

Campagnolo Bora ultra 2's (Light, amazing bearings)

Zipp 404's Clincher/tubular (AERO)

Can anyone give me any owners advice on any of these wheelsets? it would be very helpful to know which wheels are going to suit me well.

I weight 57Kg, mostly stick to the hills, since its where i excel, and also an understanding of the strengh of carbon, whether it is weak? as i dont want the price tag of a replacement wheelset stopping me from making a risky decision during a race.

Thanks all.

markos1963

Have a chat with Derek, www.wheelsmith.co.uk , he builds great wheels for racing and could answer your questions regarding durability.

Lookyhere

i cant make your decision re tubs v clinchers but my shimano c35 tubs have so far proved to be fantastic, well pleased with my choice w/ conti comps and spares can be had, in stock, from swinnerton cycles.
Used in racing, TTs and euro and uk Sportives, been bomb proof with great braking wet or dry.

Wirral_paul

Race only and for a flyweight hill climber - i'd go tubular and keep the weight as low as possible (ie cant see the point of the C50 over the lighter C35's etc. Zipp 202 or 303 would also take my vote to be honest.

Play to your strengths - are you going to gain anything from a heavier but more aero wheel when you are best as a climber??

napoleond

I've had Zipp (606 tub combo) and Bora Ultra 2. Amongst others.

I know have 2011 Ksyrium Elites and they are amazing, shove some Vittoria Open Corsas on with Latex tubes and you have a very reasonably priced wheelset that performs great!

If going deep again, some ENVE from Derek at www.wheelsmith.co.uk would be up there...

canbakay

Ive used zipp tubs and clinchers, I couldn't praise them more! the 343 combo i used came under 1200, plenty stiff (though there are stiffer wheels out there), roll incredibly smooth but most of all they are very reliable and trusty wheels. I really wouldnt worry about good carbon wheels weaknesses. 202s are very light but a bit harsh from what i understand, my choice would be 303s in tubs.

U said the bora ultras are light and zipps are aero. They way id compare the two is, zipps are aero and light, boras are stiff and have very good bearings. (i recently read somewhere that boras arent wind tunnel tested, not sure if that really matters but thought id mention it) 1350g for very expensive boras confuse me a little. you weight under 60kg so no worries with stiffness.

they only drawback (for me at least) with carbon rims are wet weather braking but swisstops are 'reasonable' in the wet.

i cant comment on the dura-aces as i know know them well enough.

inseine

The sensible answer is a set of lightish low profile sprints. Tubs just feel nicer if you don't have to worry about the faff. There's a chance you crash at some point (or at least someone puts a skewer in your wheel). Certainly less than £500 should get you some 1300g wheels. With lazer spokes they'll be pretty aero too.

racingcondor

Since it's race only I'd say 50mm tubs.

If you don't want to have to worry about replacement cost then wheelsmith will build you up some Gigantex rims which are replaceably cheap and you can invest in some quality hubs (since they're almost certainly going to be fine in a crash) which will also keep the weight down.

Blackmarketrider

Hey all, i have decided to stick to the tubular, as they are lighter, and am leaning towards either a pair of firecrest 303 tubulars or tubular ENVE 45's on chris king hubs.

I prefer the look and the robustness of the ENVE wheels, even though they are a little heavier and more expensive, anyone had experience with either set of wheels, or both if you know how they compare?

racingcondor

Given a choice of those rims on Chris King's I really doubt you'll be dissapointed whichever you go for.

Given how light you are I doubt robustness will be an issue.

cougie

Bloody hell - those Enves are £1700 ??

Its not the potholes I'd worry about - its stacking them in a crash - which do happen in races - what category are you ?

Your weight would be fine for any carbon wheel - theres far heavier blokes riding them.

Blackmarketrider

Yeah they are a tad pricey, some say overpriced, but i do prefer the concept of them, although the Zipps for me would work out £300 cheaper, but in the long run i can replace a single rim on the ENVE's as they are sold seperately, and work out cheaper than a new wheel even once you consider the labour for a new wheelbuild.

I am 3rd cat, i also have a trainer that has been training me since august, so im hoping to follow into my 2nd cat license next year, this year was my first years racing.

I have the money for either wheelset, its all down to which is better, knowing a few people with Zipps, i know they have had small issues with hubs (loosening alot) and have yet to know a fault with the chris kings, plus the large amount of engagements they have (72) may come in handy.

Strada Wheels

The build quality of the ENVEs is superb and we regularly build the 45s and 65s to Chris King R45 hubs. The flange placement on the R45 rear makes for a strong wheel. No, they are not cheap but for race day specials and long term durability they are exceptionally good. The spokes are J bend so can be swapped easily if you damage them unlike the straight pulls systems employed by other manufacturers. Plus they are handbuilt to suit you which means you get a colour choice for the hubs and spokes.

Monty Dog

Read the reviews over on Weightweenies if you want other opinions - but the general view is that Enve rims are the best and buy Zipps if you like dealing with warranties or getting problems fixed.